Sandhills

MLBob Furia

MLBob Furia

Well-known member
Seems like any blast of frigid temps brings sandhill cranes to our area. Not something I can ever remember up until about 5 years ago.
This pic is from our goose blind yesterday morning. A couple of big flocks of cranes passed by while we were out.

One can hear the "trilling" long before the birds come into view. Always amazes me how far the sound carries.

View attachment Sandhills.jpg
 
They were reintroduced into Ohio and other mid western states years ago. From that introduction they also moved into PA, and I do believe NY. Ohio also introduced the Trumpeter Swan at the same time.

No matter where they came from, Sandhill Cranes, lesser and greater, are a magnificent bird in my book. Only the call of a Trumpeter Swan touches my soul deeper than a Sandhill.
 
Vince, There's a huge migration of thousands of them into Jasper-Pulaski WMA in Indiana (West of FT. Wayne) each fall. I'm going to have to check that out sometime.
 
Back in the early 90's I worked at an Environmental Education Center near Jackson, MI for a couple of years. We were located on a lake--can't remember the name--with a lot of wet meadows and marsh around it. There was a very large nesting colony of sandhills that kept our students occupied for hours. Their courtship ritual is really cool, and I still think they look like pterodactyls when they fly.
 
They look like living dinosaurs to me-the way they walk and that sound they make seems straight out of the ancient world. Here in Utah we have a limited entry September hunt for sandhills-I never thought about putting in for it but after hearing other folks' stories of how good they are to eat I am going to try to draw a tag for one this fall. I think I'll also put in for an Idaho sandhill tag-you can shoot 2 there!
 
Besides the food, they are the best part of Thanksgiving. It's an odd day during the week of Thanksgiving we don't have them moving over the house. They are such a cool sight/sound. I've heard rumors about a draw system to hunt them for years, I'll be surprised if it happens given the numbers of Whoopers that come through Indiana.

This year there seem to be some straggling flocks, there was a large group (100+) that flew over the house earlier this week.
 
Bob - Do yourself a favor, and go to Sask. in fall for the Big Show. A brutal drive, lots of work but very well worth it. The sight and sounds of all the birds will stay with you for the rest of your life. That m igration through Indiana has got to be a sight to see. No matter where they are, it's worth seeing and hearing, and ya might even see a Whooping Crane to boot.

Hank - The season may happen. When Whoopers appear they will close the season, just like in Sask. F&W folks keep a keen eye on cranes no matter where they are. Thank goodness.
 
I traded a few mule deer steaks for one of several sandhills a co-worker brought back from North Dakota this fall. Although I'm not certain I could pull the trigger on one even if I drew a permit here, I'm certainly looking forward to the experience of tasting one!
 
D.J. You should enjoy it. I've shot, cooked and eaten my share. Now Mule Deer and Antelope are on my wish list to hunt and enjoy on the table. From what I have read, for a non resident I better start saving my $$$$, or move west.
 
Vince, if you're not set on shooting a big buck, most areas in Wyoming have $40 non-resident doe antelope tags that you can usually get over the counter. We put in for them every few years and usually don't have any trouble filling the tag. Antelope is one of my favorite game meats by far!
 
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Cody - I'm not looking for a big buck, just a fair hunt. I agree, Antelope is delicious. When I go to ND & SD for pheasants, "chickens" & waterfowl, friends grill Antelope for us.

It's the Mule Deer tag, and most likely a guided hunt that is $$$$. I have freelanced most of my life for upland birds & waterfowl. Big game hunting out west is a different story I do believe. A Mule Deer maybe more than I could deal with by myself at my age. Once it's on the ground and gutted, the real work begins. I'm real fussy about doin' it correctly when that much good meat needs cared for pronto.

Thank you for the info, it is much appreciated.
 
If you opt to go the route of hunting sandhills, Deception Outdoors markets a hand tuned call. These are spot-on accurate calls, capable of producing the full range of sandhill calls, both great and lesser. They also make the best sandhill crane decoys available; amazing detail and very resilient when abused.
 
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